A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Sapporo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Sapporo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a beautiful, friendly, and charming city. Chiang Rai offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Rai travel costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Sapporo travel costs.

Chiang Rai and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Chiang Rai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Chiang Rai is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

How is Chiang Rai different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Chiang Rai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Chiang Rai is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Chiang Rai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Rai has many famous sights for visitors. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chiang Rai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Sapporo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Chiang Rai and Sapporo.

Chiang Rai is well-known for its shopping. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Rai offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Sapporo are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Rai is very family-friendly. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

Sapporo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Sapporo are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Chiang Rai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai and Sapporo are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chiang Rai. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

Sapporo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Chiang Rai is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Sapporo can get you to some places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Is Chiang Rai or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Sapporo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable city. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Rai and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai than in Sapporo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Sapporo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Rai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Sapporo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Rai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

In Chiang Rai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Sapporo, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

In Chiang Rai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Rai has to offer.

When visiting Sapporo, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sapporo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chiang Rai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Sapporo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo than you might in Chiang Rai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Rai Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Sapporo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.